After 16 seasons in the NFL, Ronde Barber called it a career earlier this year, but that doesn't mean we won't be seeing him on Sundays anymore. Instead of playing the game, Barber will make the transition to analyst with FOX's new cable channel, FOX Sports 1.
Roy Cummings of the Tamp Tribune is reporting that Barber will be taking a "hybrid" role with the network, working both in the studio and at games as an analyst.
Mark Lepselter, Barber's agent, was not able to provide specific details of Barber's duties with FOX Sports, but it's not a stretch to imagine that Barber will likely be handling much of the analysis of Xs and Os, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The addition of Barber is just another step for FOX to give legitimacy to their new cable channel. The ultimate goal is to challenge ESPN's dominance as the authority on anything sports related, and many expect that FOX Sports 1 has the greatest chance of challenging the current hegemonic power. NBC Sports Network has a similar goal, but with limited distribution and audience, it hasn't gained a whole lot of momentum.
Expect FOX to continue to add talent in the months leading up to FOX Sports 1's August launch date.
